Lemon Butter Sauce for Fish
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
15 mins
-
Servings
4 servings
-
Calories
73 kcal
-
Course
Condiments
-
Cuisine
American
Lemon Butter Sauce for Fish
Description
The Lemon Butter Sauce for Fish starts with melting butter and gently cooking minced garlic until fragrant. Fresh lemon juice adds a crisp brightness, while chicken broth and heavy cream contribute to a smooth, rich texture. A careful simmer thickens the sauce without browning the butter, resulting in a creamy accompaniment that enhances mild seafood flavors. The sauce's balance between tang and richness gives it a pleasing mouthfeel without heaviness.
It is traditionally served spooned over seafood but also works well on chicken or pasta. A garnish of fresh parsley and cracked black pepper adds mild herbal notes and visual appeal. This sauce is best made fresh but can be gently reheated in short intervals to avoid breaking or scorching.
To preserve the sauce's texture and flavor, keep an eye on the heat when cooking and reheating, stirring occasionally. Start with the juice of half a lemon and adjust to taste because the lemon's acidity is stronger when fresh. Substituting garlic powder for fresh garlic is possible if needed, but fresh ingredients contribute more vibrant flavor.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- lemon juice of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup chicken broth low sodium
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a medium sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in garlic for 1-2 minutes til fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, broth, and heavy cream.
- Bring sauce to a simmer. Cook 4-6 minutes til sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Serve sauce over your favorite seafood (or even chicken or pasta!). Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Heat the sauce gently to avoid browning the butter; stir occasionally while it thickens.
- Use fresh lemon juice for brightness and add it gradually to prevent excessive sourness.
- Substitute garlic powder if fresh or minced garlic is unavailable.
- Reheat only the needed portion in short intervals on medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent overheating.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 73 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 73kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 24mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 42mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 64mg | 1% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 268IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 44mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.